August Notes
A Visit to Alameda
The above photos are from an outing with Zoey to the island of Alameda, CA, located near Oakland. The top 2 pics are from Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, which features a cute little zipline for the kids (I would not have minded trying it out, but there were too many kids in line). Next, we stopped at See Spot Run, a pet supply shop, because Zoey needed more snacks. We had German food on Spiesekammer’s dog-friendly patio. My husband had a smoked pork dish with garlic mashed potatoes & sauerkrout, while I had the Jägerschnitzel with spätzle in a mushroom sauce. Both dishes were excellent!
McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, Berkeley, CA
We recently explored this picturesque dog-friendly park in Berkeley, CA. There are paved and dirt trails along the tidelands. The park extends through multiple nearby cities, ending near the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Despite being so near the freeway, it’s a lovely pace to walk.
Um, where is Theo?
My cat wanted to pop in to say, “Peek-a-boo!”
Calla Lilies
We received this Calla Lily plant from a friend 2 years ago upon the death of my mother. It seems to be happy with us.
Fun in Watsonville, CA, With Zoey
The first two above photos are from Palm Beach State Park, and the second two are from Pinto Lake County Park. Both are excellent dog-friendly destinations in the town of Watsonville, but I believe Zoey preferred the beach; she cannot resist the sea air and playing in the ocean waves!
A Little Feathered Friend
We received a cute purple birdhouse as a gift and hung it up outside. I thought it would be a mere decoration, but a little bird decided it to put her nest inside, and we soon had heard the little cries of her chicks. Two of the fledglings left the nest before they were strong enough to fly away. So, for two days, we heard their constant cheeping throughout the day as they explored our backyard and practiced flying short distances. Mama bird remained nearby to keep an eye on them. Then, on the third day, they all left us. This photo of one of the fledglings is all I have left of them. I hope they have a happy life!
Book Review: “Corvus: A Crow’s Story” by Shallen Anne Chitwood
This book is a delightful, poignant, unique, and well-researched children’s tale featuring wonderful illustrations by Michael Schulbaum. I fully enjoyed reading Corvus’s story as told by Clarence, a very special Monarch caterpillar. You may see my complete Goodreads review here:
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The Calla Lilies are planted in the ground? I have some in a pot I would like to transfer.